figure out

verb

figured out; figuring out; figures out

transitive verb

1

: discover, determine

try to figure out a way to do it

2

: solve, fathom

figure out a problem

Synonyms of figure out

• solve
• answer
• unravel
• resolve

Examples of figure out in a Sentence

a book of brainteasers that even a really clever person won't have an easy time figuring out

Recent Examples on the Web

At the same time, researchers are trying to figure out how to extract critical minerals from seaweed. — New Atlas, 27 July 2026

His alter-ego has figured out how to travel between dimensions by way of a large metal box. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 26 July 2026

The first day used to be so chaotic and humorous in the old days, with players not knowing how to put on helmets let alone figure out shoulder pads and struggling in line drills. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026

And whichever country or company figures out how to pair AI computing power with reliable, carbon-free electricity fastest may end up deciding not just what fuel wins the energy race, but what actors win the AI race, too. — Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for figure out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

figure out

verb

1

: find out, discover

try to figure out a way to do it

2

: solve

figure out a problem